UNILORIN produces Hult Prize champions
By Isaac Lewu
The University of Ilorin has produced outstanding student innovators at the 2026 OnCampus edition of the Hult Prize, as Team Arsentra, emerged overall winners of the competition.
The event, which took place penultimate Saturday (February 14, 2026) at the Old Law Moot Court of the institution, was tagged “Building Impact 2026”.
The event brought together student entrepreneurs, secondary school innovators and development advocates to pitch transformative solutions addressing real-world challenges.
The Managing Director of Kairos Routes Developments and Founder of Drive Leadership Network, Mr Maxwell David Taye, said the initiative reinforces UNILORIN’s commitment to producing solution-driven graduates.
Mr Taye, who was represented by a former President of the University of Ilorin Association of Life Sciences Students, Mr Samuel Solomon Ilemona, explained that the competition empowers students by providing a structured platform to develop, refine and present innovative ideas, with winners advancing to the national stage in Nigeria and potentially representing the country internationally.
He stressed the significance of student leadership as he emphasised that active participation in leadership roles equips undergraduates with entrepreneurial skills, project management experience and effective communication competence necessary for national development.
He commended the consistent support of the University Management and called for strengthened collaboration to expand participation and visibility, noting that broader institutional backing would further position UNILORIN as a hub for innovation and global competitiveness
Team Arsentra clinched first position for developing a gas detection device capable of identifying leaks early and preventing fire outbreaks and environmental hazards in homes, hostels and other enclosed spaces.
With the victory, the team will represent UNILORIN at the next stage of the competition. The team comprises of Ishola Abdulquadri Oriade of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Olabode Zainab Eniola from the Department of Computer Engineering, and Olaosebikan Ibrahim Ajao, Department of Computer Engineering, 300 Level.
Team Logdr secured second position for creating a digital platform that simplifies house hunting by connecting students to verified and affordable accommodation options, thereby addressing housing stress and inefficiencies.
Team Zooma came third with a transportation solution designed to enhance safe, reliable and coordinated mobility within and around campus.
In the secondary school category, students of Iqra College came first with the invention of a solar power bank, while Unilorin Secondary School clinched the second position for inventing carbon vacuum Chamber and solar powered truck.
In his remarks, a lecturer at the Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Mr Oyedapo Ademuyiwa Ipadeola, expressed satisfaction with the quality of ideas presented and commended the participating teams for their creativity, courage and commitment to problem-solving.
He noted that beyond competition, the initiative is designed to mentor students, refine their concepts and connect them with networks that can transform ideas into sustainable ventures.
He assured the participants of continued guidance, institutional support and professional mentorship as they advance to higher stages of the contest.
Mr Ipadeola urged students to remain focused, collaborative and resilient, stressing that the University would continue to nurture initiatives that position its graduates as globally competitive change-makers.
